Water it and watch it grow

At least that’s the plan for the Pond Park Pumpkin Project, located in the small park off Route 117, in front of the Emerson School.

“I had purchased a package of giant pumpkin seeds this spring and thought it would be fun to add a plant in the center of town for the kids to water,” Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman Karen Regan said.

The goal is to grow as big a pumpkin as possible in time for the Parks and Recreation Parade and Party.

“We are going for as big as possible. It’s in a great location so people can watch it grow all season,” Regan said.

Friendly pumpkin lovers are asked to contribute by simply watering the seed.

A pail left at the site allows people, from children to adults, to dip the pail into the pond and add a little water to the planting.

“I had brought it up last year to the other members of the Parks and Recreation Commission and they are always game for something fun and different,” Regan said. “We all really enjoy the Halloween Parade and Party and every year we try to make it better than the last. The pumpkin seemed like a fun addition for this year.

“If it grows, we are going to invite the kids in town to bring up their Jack-o-Lanterns to display in the park with our giant pumpkin.”

Regan and her niece, Olivia Ruschioni, 10, planted it.

“However, a neighbor of the pond, Steve Schneider, came out to visit while we were finishing and offered to keep watch over our pumpkin to make sure it is cared for every day,” Regan said. “Steve is always helping Parks and Recreation from snow blowing the pond in winter for skating to his recent participation, dressing up as part of the parade worm costume during the 275th birthday parade.

“Parks and Recreation is a fully-volunteer-driven commission in Bolton and we would never be able to pull any of this stuff off without additional volunteer help from the community,” she said.

And people are willing to help the pumpkin.

“The response has been really positive so far. People really connected with the Facebook post, which has reached nearly 2,000 people. I have not seen anyone at the pond watering the seedling, but at last check it looks healthy,” Regan said.